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NFL ties post-merger record for most Week 1 points with Kenneth Walker's late TD in Chiefs' win over Broncos

An offensive barrage across the NFL pushed the league to a total of 791 points during Week 1 of the 2026 campaign, matching the post-merger benchmark established in 2012. The milestone was officially equaled during Monday Night Football when Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker crossed the goal line for his second score of the evening, capping a 31-10 triumph over the Denver Broncos.

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin offered his own perspective regarding the widespread surge, while Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson noted that setting the single-season scoring record is an active objective for his squad.

Shootouts throughout the opening weekend fueled the historic total, highlighted by Chicago's 59-37 victory against the Carolina Panthers. That 96-point slugfest set an all-time league record for the highest-scoring Week 1 contest, crossing the historic threshold on a touchdown pass by Panthers quarterback Bryce Young.